A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. Hilton Head Island for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and Hilton Head Island. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a bustling, spirited, and luxury coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a family-friendly, relaxing, and peaceful coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Fort Lauderdale and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Hilton Head Island and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island and Fort Lauderdale. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Hilton Head Island offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Hilton Head Island has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Fort Lauderdale has a large number of nightlife venues. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for its luxury resorts. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Fort Lauderdale is a perfect choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilton Head Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Hilton Head Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for the beach. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

With world-famous beaches, Fort Lauderdale is a very popular vacation destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Hilton Head Island and Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hilton Head Island. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is very family-friendly. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Fort Lauderdale is very family-friendly. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fort Lauderdale is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

For even more information, also check out Is Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting? and Is Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Fort Lauderdale has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Hilton Head Island. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Fort Lauderdale, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

Couples should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Hilton Head Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fort Lauderdale that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale than Hilton Head Island if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Fort Lauderdale.

One day in Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the scenic destination of Fort Lauderdale. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the beaches. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The peaceful destination of Hilton Head Island offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the luxury coastal city of Fort Lauderdale. Most people visit for the beaches. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

The coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the beaches. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fort Lauderdale has to offer.

Hilton Head Island is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This coastal town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island?

Fort Lauderdale is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

The relaxing coastal town of Hilton Head Island offers shopping and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fort Lauderdale and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Fort Lauderdale much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fort Lauderdale would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fort Lauderdale and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Hilton Head Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilton Head Island than you might in Fort Lauderdale.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fort Lauderdale Expensive? and Is Hilton Head Island Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hilton Head Island. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale and Hilton Head Island, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as Hilton Head Island. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Fort Lauderdale is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 83°F (28°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Fort Lauderdale this time of the year. In the summer, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Fort Lauderdale gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hilton Head Island. Fort Lauderdale receives a lot of rain in the summer. Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in July than Hilton Head Island. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

Both Hilton Head Island and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite sunny in Hilton Head Island. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during autumn. Fort Lauderdale gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In October, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

Both Hilton Head Island and Fort Lauderdale during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in January average around 67°F (20°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Fort Lauderdale. In the winter, Fort Lauderdale often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Fort Lauderdale gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun.

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and Hilton Head Island. The spring months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In April, Fort Lauderdale is generally a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 75°F (24°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Fort Lauderdale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fort Lauderdale usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during spring. Fort Lauderdale gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fort Lauderdale usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Fort Lauderdale